Crazy Rich Asians Movie Review – When Love Causes Cultures to Clash

The rigmarole surrounding Megan Markle’s wedding was nothing compared to what’s required of the lovebirds in the new smash hit movie Crazy Rich Asians.

Unknowingly dating the son of one of Singapore’s most wealthy families, it’s not until the pair visit Singapore for a wedding that Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is exposed to the expectations of Nick’s (Henry Golding) family.

Debuting number one on opening weekend in the US, Crazy Rich Asians is already making history as the first rom-com since 1993 to have an Asian-led cast and isn’t your ordinary chick flick.

Unlike standard American fare, Crazy Rich Asians help us see the world through new eyes. It brings a story to the screen where the East isn’t just ‘the other’, but a thriving and relevant global power. The rich tradition and cultural beliefs about family and sacrifice heighten the tension in Crazy Rich Asians between ‘following your heart’ and doing what’s best for the team. Crazy Rich Asians is not just a movie about the couple, but their community.

One scene that’s particularly striking shows Nick’s Mum Eleanor (played by Michelle Yeoh) with her girlfriends openly reading scriptures from the Bible, doing ‘this week’s reading’, and chatting about their kids. The representation of Christianity on screen wasn’t with criticism or angst but as a genuine reflection of the women’s world. (Even if only to contrast their superficial gossip with Biblical wisdom).

Another strength of Crazy Rich Asians is to remind us that although we’re all different, we’re the same. We may be from a variety of cultural backgrounds and beliefs, but as Nick’s family makes Rachel wonder do I matter, and am I enough? We can say, I’ve wondered that sometimes too.

Rated PG Crazy Rich Asians is an excellent break-away from the stereotypes and is in cinemas now.